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September 13, 2023
OHCA removes physician visit requirement for Naloxone, hosts vending machine with ODMHSAS

SoonerCare now includes coverage for various naloxone products without requiring a physician visit. Members can get naloxone products from SoonerCare contracted pharmacies with a standing order that allows pharmacies to start a prescription, provide the medication and receive reimbursement.

Additionally, in collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), a public-access vending machine with Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strip Kits is available at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) office, located at 4345 N. Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105.

“These changes underscore OHCA’s dedication to SoonerCare members’ health and safety and our commitment to reducing overdose deaths and addressing substance use challenges in our state,” said Ellen Buettner, OHCA Chief Executive Officer. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with ODMHSAS to make life-saving medication more accessible.”

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which can reverse and block the effects of opioids. Fentanyl Test Strips are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in various types of substances. Both are available to all Oklahomans statewide, free of charge.

Accidental overdose is now the leading cause of death for people in the U.S. under age 50. In 2020 alone, drug overdoses increased by 31%, with nearly 92,000 lives lost that year. More than 70% of these overdoses were driven by opioids, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Since 2020, more than 12,000 SoonerCare members have accessed Naloxone through pharmacies.

“Our hope is that people are educated about substance use disorders and that they understand what free, live-saving resources are available within reach,” Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Carrie Slatton-Hodges said. “We believe each Oklahoma household can benefit from having essential tools like these Naloxone and Fentanyl Test Strip Kits on hand, as most of us know a friend or loved one who has been affected by accidental overdose.” The CDC reports that nearly 40% of overdoses had a bystander present who could have intervened, conveying the importance of ensuring all Oklahomans have access to these life-saving resources. Since installation, the vending machine at the OHCA offices has distributed more than 50 Naloxone kits and more than 40 Fentanyl Test Strip Kits. The life-saving opioid antagonist is available with no copay and does not count toward a SoonerCare member’s monthly prescription limit. For more information on the vending machines and access to resources, visit okimready. org.

No injuries reported in Blackgum camper fire
Main, news...
No injuries reported in Blackgum camper fire
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
July 9, 2025
Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s deputies, along with local first responders and firefighters responded to a structure fire Thursday at the Lewis RV park on Blackgum Landing Road. Sheriff Larry Lane said De...
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Trustees address key issues ahead of Webbers Falls Day
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
July 9, 2025
The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees convened for its regular meeting on June 10, where the board members took care of several key issues on the agenda, including updates and other decisions. Public co...
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Main, news...
Residents injured in fireworks accident
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
July 9, 2025
The Vian Community Foundation (VCF) helped raise $1,916.94 for the local residents who were injured on July 2 while setting up a fireworks display for the Choctaw Nation. According to reports, Devin G...
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Stellar Brew now open in Vian
Main, news...
Stellar Brew now open in Vian
July 9, 2025
ALLY TROTTER, NEWS INTERN A new and exciting addition has officially arrived in Vian, Stellar Brew, bringing a fresh variety of beverages and food options to town. Conveniently located next to Simple ...
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Gore approves new budget, part-time employee
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
July 9, 2025
During a brief special meeting on June 10, the Gore Board of Trustees unanimously approved the town’s operating budget for the upcoming fiscal year and voted to hire a part-time employee. The meeting ...
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New bike shop, approvals highlight Vian meeting
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
July 9, 2025
The Vian Board of Trustees covered a packed agenda on June 16, with discussions ranging from community improvements and budget approvals to a new local business and a holiday “Spark in the Dark” fun r...
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Editor Picks
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Phillips named to Dean College Dean’s List
July 9, 2025
Dean College is pleased to announce that Haley Phillips of Sallisaw has earned a place on the Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester. Students named to the Dean’s List have demonstrated a serious co...
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Jimcy McGirt Pleads Guilty to Sex Offencer Registry Violation
July 9, 2025
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jimcy McGirt, age 76, of Wewoka, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Failure to...
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Cherokee Nation Children’s Clothing Assistance Program opens
July 9, 2025
The Cherokee Nation’s Children’s Clothing Assistance Program application is now open. To help parents with back-to-school shopping, a one-time payment of $150 through the annual Children’s Clothing As...
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Spears awarded TAF Scholarship
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Spears awarded TAF Scholarship
July 9, 2025
Mrs. Spears from Gore Elementary (back row, center) received one of five Tribal Agriculture Fellowship (TAF) Scholarships to the 2025 National Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Minneapolis, M...
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Webbers Falls approves truck purchase and more in May meeting
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
July 9, 2025
The Webbers Falls Board of Trustees tackled a busy agenda during their regular meeting in May, approving key expenditures, recognizing local community efforts and addressing several personnel matters....
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